Media console for stroller

ABSTRACT

An entertainment console is provided on a stroller, where the console securely holds a DVD player or other type of audio/video/media player. The console has a cavity that holds the DVD play. A release mechanism, such as a spring-biased release may be used to “pop” the DVD player out of the cavity. When the console is secured in the cavity, a hinged door can be closed over the DVD player to protect the DVD player. When the hinged door is opened, the DVD player screen can be opened as well for viewing. The DVD player screen is thus between the opened hinged door and the child. The console also has a sliding door or other protective element that slides over the DVD player controls when the DVD is in use.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 60/641,045, filed Dec. 30, 2004, which is incorporated byreference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Strollers are very useful in today's society to allow parents to taketheir children with them when they leave the house. However, babies,infants, and toddlers often times have a very short attention span. So,even though the child may be initially content in the stroller, thechild may quickly start crying. As a result, the parent may need to takethe child out of the stroller and carry the child, as well as push thestroller. Many types of strollers have trays where the child can playwith toys to keep them content and occupied. However, children may againbecome quickly bored with the toys. Another disadvantage with such traysis that the children may throw the toys, thereby making it verydifficult to keep the toys on or near the trays for the children to playwith.

Therefore, there is a need for a stroller or stroller accessory thatovercomes the disadvantages discussed above.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present invention, an entertainmentconsole is provided on a stroller, where the console securely holds aDVD player or other type of audio/video/media player, such as asatellite TV receiver and player. The console has a cavity that holdsthe DVD player. A release mechanism, such as a spring-biased release maybe used to “pop” the DVD player out of the cavity. When the console issecured in the cavity, a hinged door can be closed over the DVD playerto protect the DVD player. When the hinged door is opened, the DVDplayer screen can be opened as well for viewing. The DVD player screenis thus between the opened hinged door and the child. The console alsohas a sliding door or other protective element that slides over the DVDplayer controls when the DVD is in use. The sliding door thus protectsthe controls when the child is viewing the screen and also prevents thechild from playing with the controls.

As a result, the child can be entertained while in the stroller, by acartoon, movie, educational program and the like. The console can bepart of a tray to form a unitary structure that can snap into variouspositions on the stroller. This enables the position of the console tobe adjusted based on how close the DVD or media player is to be placedto the child or user. The console can also be removable or detachablefrom the tray. In one embodiment, a carseat can be attached to the trayor console.

In some embodiments, the stroller may be wired for speakers for the DVDor media player so that speakers can be attached to the frame and/orcanopy of the stroller. In other embodiments, the DVD screen can bemounted separately from the control panel or player, such as a flip-downscreen on top of a canopy or a flip-up screen along a rail of thestroller.

These and other features and advantages of the present invention will bemore readily apparent from the detailed description of the preferredembodiments set forth below taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a media console according to one embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the media console of FIG. 1 in an “opened”position;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the media console of FIG. 1 in an“opened” position and secured to a tray of a stroller;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a media console according to another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of a media console as part of a trayattached to a stroller;

FIGS. 6A-6F show different embodiments of strollers with media players;and

FIG. 7 shows a stroller capable of holding a car seat according to oneembodiment.

Like element numbers in different figures represent the same or similarelements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is a side view of a media console according to one embodiment ofthe invention. The media console has a cavity or niche in which a DVDplayer 4 b is placed. Note that any suitable media device can be used.On the bottom and sides of the cavity is a protective padding 3 thatcushions the DVD player and prevents the DVD from skipping or otherwisebeing interrupted during use. Protective padding 3 is removable, such asby Velcro fasteners, or any other suitable mechanism. Thus, protectivepadding 3 can be removed for cleaning or replacing. Protective padding 3can be replaced with thicker or thinner padding to accommodate differentsizes of DVD players.

A release mechanism or lift tray 8 is provided at the bottom of thecavity. Lift tray 8 can be underneath or above padding 3. Lift tray 8can also be spring-loaded, with a release or ejection button 9 on theoutside of the media console. In use, DVD player 4 b is inserted intothe cavity until it contacts lift tray 8. The DVD player can then bepushed further into cavity, forcing lift tray 8 toward the bottom of theniche until a spring-loaded mechanism locks the lift tray in place. Whenthis happens, ejection button 9 may be pushed out into a “loaded”position. When DVD player 4 b is to be removed, the user can simply pushejection button 9 to release lift tray 8. This results in the lift traypushing the DVD player slightly out of the niche by the spring force.DVD player 4 b can then be easily removed from the niche.

The solid lines of FIG. 1 show DVD player 4 b in a closed or storedmode. DVD player 4 b includes a DVD screen 4 a, which is shown closed. Afirst door 1 a (shown in the closed position) when not in use, enclosesDVD player 4 b within the niche. First door 1 a is attached to theconsole by a hinge 5, which allows first door 1 a to swing open andclosed. A child-proof fastener may be attached to other end of firstdoor 1 a (away from hinge 5) so that in a closed position, the childcannot open the door and access the DVD player. A corresponding ormating fastener 6 is on the console to secure first door 1 a to theconsole.

When the DVD player is to be used, first door 1 a is opened, as shown inthe dotted lines 1. The opened first door is shown by the verticalrepresentation of the door using dotted lines. The screen of the DVDplayer 4 a is then opened, where the front of the screen faces the childsitting in the stroller. The opened screen is shown as item 4 in dottedlines. The opened first door can act as a barrier or stop for the DVDscreen to prevent the DVD screen from being pushed forward, such as bythe child, thereby making viewing difficult for the child. When thescreen is opened, the parent can start the DVD or otherwise control theplaying of the DVD by the now exposed DVD control panel.

Once the DVD is started, a second door 2 can be slid over or closed overthe control panel. Second door 2 can optionally also have protectivepadding 3, such that when second door 2 is slid over or closed over thecontrol panel, the padding is between the control panel and second door2 to protect the underlying control panel. This may be important if thechild attempts to hit push on second door 2. Second door 2 also preventsthe child from playing with or touching the controls to the DVD player.FIG. 1 shows the embodiment where second door 2 is hinged by a hinge 5,which allows second door 2 to be opened and closed over the DVD controlpanel. In other embodiments, second door 2 can slide sideways along theconsole.

As a result, when in use, the child can watch a DVD while in thestroller without disrupting the DVD, such as by touching the controlpanel. When not in use, the DVD player can be closed and secured withinthe cavity of the console.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a media console similar to the one shown inFIG. 1, but with the DVD player opened. As seen, the DVD screen restsagainst first door 1. Since first door 1 is prevented from opening anyfurther, the DVD screen also cannot be pushed any further back. Alsoshown, the ejection button is extended, meaning the lift tray has beenpushed and locked by the release mechanism. FIG. 2 also shows seconddoor 2 secured to the media console by a hinge, where second door 2 alsohas a fastener. The dotted lines show door 2 in a semi-opened position,while the solid lines show door 2 in a closed position covering andprotecting the underlying DVD control panel.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the media console in the openedposition and secured to a tray of a stroller. The console can be securedto and removed from the tray in any number of suitable ways, such as byVelcro, bolts, screws, or matching grooves and slides. The media consolemay also be built or formed directly to the tray, such as by injectionmolding of plastic to form a unitary structure.

FIG. 4 is a top view of another embodiment of a media console 44, wherethe media console includes a cavity or niche 40 for the DVD player andtwo side trays 42 on either side. The side trays can be used to holdtoys or other items for the child. Dimensions shown in FIG. 4 areaccording to one embodiment, although different sizes may be suitablefor different sized strollers or other child-carrying devices.

FIG. 5 shows a stroller 50, having a media console 52 attached to a tray54. Media console 52 can be a unitary structure with tray 54, such asformed from injected plastic. Media console 52 can also be detachablefrom tray 54. As shown, tray 54 can be secured to stroller 50 at variouspositions relative to a seat 56 of stroller 50. An adjustable trayenables the parent to place a DVD or media player 58 in specificpositions relative to the child. This can be beneficial if differentsize DVD player screens are used, as smaller screens may need to beplaced closer to the child. Tray 54 can be secured to stroller 50 usingany suitable method, such as protrusions from the tray matched toopenings in the stroller, screws or other fasteners, etc.

FIGS. 6A-6F show different embodiments of a stroller 600 with a DVD ormedia player screen 602 located at on different portions of variousstroller designs. Screen 602 can be attached to or separate from theplayer and/or controls. For example, the stroller may be wired so thatvarious components of the media system are located at different portionsof the stroller, such as the speaker inside the canopy by the child'sseat and/or the controls and/or player located away from the screen,such as accessible by the parent but not by the child. The media playercan also be a satellite television receiver and screen.

FIG. 7 shows one embodiment of a stroller 700, in which a car seat 702can be attached to a tray or console 704 of the stroller. In oneembodiment, the media player or other part of the console is removedbefore the car seat is attached. Alternatively, the car seat (or otherdevice) can be attached directly to the console without removingattachments on the console.

The above is just a few embodiments of the media console, and manydifferent variations are possible. Dimensions shown throughout thedrawings are also just exemplary, as dimensions can change based on thesize of the stroller, the size of the tray, the size of the mediaplayer, etc. A main aspect of the invention is a console that can holdand secure a DVD player or other media player on an apparatus forcarrying or holding babies, infants, toddlers, or children so that thechild can watch the DVD while seated in the apparatus. Suitable types ofapparatus include strollers, infant car seats, baby high chairs, and thelike. The media console may also be manufactured with a media playerpermanently secured to the console.

Having thus described embodiments of the present invention, persons ofordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made inform and detail without departing from the scope of the invention. Thusthe invention is limited only by the following claims.

1. A device for holding a media player for use by a child, comprising: arecessed portion configured to hold a media player; and means forsecuring the device to a child-carrying apparatus.
 2. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the child-carrying is selected from the groupconsisting of a stroller, a car seat, and a high chair.
 3. The device ofclaim 1, further comprising a cover configured to close over the mediaplayer when not in use.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the mediaplayer is a DVD player.
 5. The device of claim 3, wherein the cover isrotatable about a point at a location near the outer edge of the mediaplayer.
 6. The device of claim 3, wherein the media player has arotatable cover, and wherein the rotatable cover is between the childand the cover when the media player is in use.
 7. The device of claim 1,wherein the media player has a control portion, wherein the devicefurther comprises a cover configured to at least partially cover thecontrol portion when the media player is in use.
 8. The device of claim1, further comprising an ejection means located in the recessed portionfor ejecting the device.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the ejectionmeans is located at the bottom of the recessed portion.
 10. The deviceof claim 8, wherein the ejection means comprises a spring and lockingmechanism.
 11. A media console for use with a child-carrying apparatus,the console comprising: a tray configured to hold a media player; and afirst cover attached to the media console, wherein the first cover isconfigured to close over the media player when the media player is notin use and to open away from the child-carrying apparatus when the mediaplayer is in use.
 12. The console of claim 11, further comprising asecond cover attached to the media console and opposite the first cover,wherein the second cover is configured to cover a control portion of themedia player when the media player is in use.
 13. The console of claim11, further comprising a spring release mechanism in the bottom of thetray configured to push the media player at least partially out of thetray when the spring release mechanism is activated.
 14. The console ofclaim 11, wherein the child-carrying apparatus is a stroller.
 15. Theconsole of claim 11, wherein the media player is a DVD player.
 16. Astroller comprising: a seat; and a tray located in front of the seat,wherein the tray comprises: a recessed portion configured to hold amedia player; a first cover rotatably attached to a portion of the trayaway from the seat, wherein the first cover is configured to close overthe media player when the media player is in not use and to open awayfrom the seat when the media player is in use; and a second coverattached to a portion of the tray between the first cover and the seat,wherein the second cover is configured to at least partially cover acontrol portion of the media player when the media player is in use. 17.The stroller of claim 16, wherein the tray is detachable from thestroller.
 18. The stroller of claim 17, wherein the tray can be adjustedrelative to the front of the seat.
 19. The stroller of claim 17, whereinthe tray further comprises a spring release mechanism in the bottom ofthe tray configured to push the media player at least partially out ofthe tray when the spring release mechanism is activated.
 20. Thestroller of claim 16, wherein the media player is a DVD player.
 21. Thestroller of claim 16, wherein the tray further comprises a portionextending from at least one side of the top of the recessed portion forholding objects.
 22. The stroller of claim 16, further comprising atleast one speaker located adjacent to the seat and away from the mediaplayer.
 23. The stroller of claim 16, further comprising at least onespeaker directly attached to the stroller.
 24. The stroller of claim 16,further comprising a media player having a screen not directly attachedto the media player.
 25. The stroller of claim 24, wherein the screen islocated above the seat and away from the tray.
 26. The stroller of claim16, wherein the media player is a satellite television.
 27. The strollerof claim 16, further comprising a media player integrated in thestroller.